Affordability is the most important issue for tenants in the UK, new poll suggests

Affordability is the most important factor for tenants in the UK looking for a home to rent, according to a new survey.

The cost of renting a home was the top factor for over 40% of respondents to the research carried out by Intus Lettings.

Only 8% prioritised amenities, including restaurants and public transport links as a driving force behind their decision on a tenancy, it also found.

An outdoor space is also important with 46% saying they would like a garden, terrace or balcony while 40% would be put off by a property without a parking space, and 24% said they would be deterred by dated interiors.

However, where would be tenants look to find a home varies widely by age group, the poll shows. Some 34% of those aged 18 to 24 would like live in a city centre apartment, whereas over 35s named a house in a smaller town as their ideal location.

‘Our figures seem to suggest that renters first and foremost seek practicality over certain features which have traditionally been seen as desirable, especially to younger tenants, such as nearby shops and restaurants or a vibrant nightlife,’ said Hope McKendrick, Lettings Manager at Intus Lettings.

‘With high rental costs across the UK, many young renters may be forced to prioritise a property which works around their budget and daily routine, as tenants flock to homes which provide ample parking or easy access to city centre jobs or studies,’ she explained.

‘We’re seeing a clear trend towards a generation of practical renters, those looking for a convenient, modern feeling home rather than exciting but potentially costly surroundings,’ she added.